M. Labori.—“Does Colonel Picquart declare, on his soul and conscience, that the document really originated as he has said?”
Colonel Picquart.—“Absolutely.”
M. Labori.—“If, then, Colonel Picquart were not telling the truth, he would be guilty of falsehood, and even of perjury?”
Colonel Picquart.—“Exactly.”
M. Labori.—“It follows, Monsieur le Président, that, if Colonel Picquart is not prosecuted on this charge, it is because the question is not disputed. Has Colonel Picquart so far been the object of any prosecution on this charge?”
Colonel Picquart.—“Not that I know of.”
M. Labori.—“Colonel Picquart has told us that he gathered information unfavorable to Esterhazy. Will he go a little more into details?”
Colonel Picquart.—“The facts gathered were various in character. First, there were facts relating to his pecuniary situation. Major Esterhazy was concerned in money transactions that were rather shady. I cannot go into details; the examination must show all that. Then there was a matter of unpaid house-rent at Courbevoie, which was not very clear either.”
The Judge.—“That has no relation” ...
M. Labori.—“I insist on the smallest details.”